Guwahati, May 19: The Assam Crime Branch has summoned senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala to appear before investigators on May 23 in connection with the ongoing passport controversy involving Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The summons comes shortly after fellow Congress leader Pawan Khera was questioned by the Crime Branch in Guwahati over the same case. Khera, who appeared before investigators last week, confirmed that he had cooperated fully and would return for further questioning on May 25. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that every citizen has a duty to cooperate with investigative agencies, while refraining from commenting further on his allegations against the Chief Minister’s wife.

The controversy stems from claims made by Khera in April, alleging that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds three passports from India, the UAE, and Egypt and owns undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai, along with a company registered in Wyoming, USA. The Sarma family has categorically denied the accusations, describing the documents as “AI-generated fabrications” circulated by foreign social media groups.

Chief Minister Sarma has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them politically motivated and warning of stern legal action. He accused Congress leaders of spreading misinformation and suggested that the controversy could extend to Rahul Gandhi. Sarma also claimed that Khera evaded police searches by leaving Delhi for Hyderabad, asserting that “the law will take its own course.”

The case continues to draw national attention, with the Crime Branch intensifying its probe and summoning senior Congress leaders as part of the investigation.